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The Extreme Biofilms National Research Traineeship (NRT) sponsored by the National Science Foundation, is a university-wide community of master's and doctoral students in engineering, microbiology, computing, biochemistry, and environmental sciences with focused professional development and graduate training on biofilm-forming microorganisms in extreme environments. This graduate traineeship aims to prepare the next generation of science and engineering leaders. who will accelerate the translation of basic research into technological solutions for the betterment of society. 

 

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Explore the Extreme

Predict the observable characteristics of biofilms in extreme environments

Prevent and control biofilms in extreme engineered systems

Uncover the properties which confer survival of extremophilic biofilms

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Connect and Collaborate

Participate in convergent research that advances knowledge on microbial biofilms in extreme systems

Become one of our outstanding MS and PhD graduate students

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Strength in STEM

Participate with other departments such as Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Civil Engineering, Microbiology and Cell Biology, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Plant Sciences, Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, and Computer Science.

 

 

Scientists and researchers work on projects in the laboratories at the Center for Biofilm Engineering at MSU. With text on top that says "Competitive Stipends Awarded Annually". Photo by Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez.

 

Montana State University's Research on Extreme Biofilms

A graphic showing the three research topics of the NRT program. Research topic one explores genomic traits of biofilms, topic two investigates patterns in the composition of biofilm samples, and topic 3 looks into the biofilm’s phenome activity.

 

Our application portal is open! Application Deadline: June 12th, 2026

Next Program Period: August 1st, 2026 through July 31st, 2027

If you have any questions at all about our program or the application process, please email the NRT Program Coordinator, Dana Skorupa, at dana.skorupa@montana.edu. I am here to help and am happy to answer any questions that may come up!